ROCHESTER, NY -- Sophomore forward Kayla Wheeler (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa), of the RIT women's basketball team, was named Liberty League Women's Basketball Co-Players of the Week for the week ending December 4, 2011.

Wheeler helped RIT to their best (4th) finish in 19 trips to the Wendy's College Classic last week. The sophomore forward averaged 12.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.6 blocks in three games. In the opening round game, Wheeler scored 17 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out eight assists and had three steals as RIT defeated St. John Fisher 62-60. Her bucket and free throw with 10 seconds remaining in regulation, gave the Tigers a two-point lead. Her steal on Fisher's next possession sealed the win for RIT and advanced the Tigers to the semifinals for the first time in 19 tries at the Wendy's Classic.

In the semis versus Roberts Wesleyan, Wheeler tallied nine points and grabbed nine rebounds.

She wrapped up the week with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the third place game versus William Smith. For the week, Wheeler shot 40.6 percent from the floor and was 11-of-13 (84.6%) from the foul line for the the Tigers.

Wheeler is third on the team in scoring averaging 11.0 points per game and averages 7.3 rebounds per game for the Tigers who are 2-4 on the season.

The Tigers return to action on Sunday, Dec. 11 with a non-conference road game at St. John FIsher. Tip-off at Fisher is 2 pm.

Tags: Kayla Wheeler Rochester Institute of Technology

Long time Saratoga Spark Kayla Wheeler will be playing college basketball at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The 5’11” forward graduated from Shenendehowa High School with grades that placed her at the top of her class. Her college choice was very simple, “All I want to do is get a great education and continue to wear the colors that have helped me become a better player, teammate and citizen” shared the lanky soon to be college freshman. Kayla will soon be starting her college career wearing Sparks orange for the TIgers of RIT.

Local fans and family where thrilled to learn that RIT will soon be competing in the Liberty League against local power houses RPI, Union and Skidmore.

Not only did Kayla play six seasons with the Saratoga Sparks, but she also spent her senior year as an assistant coach, helping the Sparks 16U team to a very successful season. We wish Kayla and her family the very best and look forward to rooting for RIT when they are in the area.

Tags: Kayla Wheeler Rochester Institute of Technology RIT